Tennis

Dominic Thiem Receives Heartfelt Tributes from Big Three as He Retires from Tennis

By Nilay October 4, 2024 0

Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, has announced his retirement from tennis due to a persistent wrist injury. As he prepares to hang up his racquet, the Austrian received heartfelt tributes from the legendary Big Three of tennis: Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.

At the Lotterien Sporthilfe Gala 2024, Thiem was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Djokovic expressed his admiration for Thiem’s career and wished him a memorable farewell tournament in Vienna. “I’m glad that you will have an opportunity to say goodbye in Vienna, one last dance,” said Djokovic.

Nadal also congratulated Thiem, acknowledging his respect and admiration for the Austrian. “Very well deserved. Very happy for you. You know how much I admire and respect you,” Nadal said.

Federer, in his message, reflected on their rivalry and friendship. “I enjoyed playing against you so much. Tennis will miss you very, very much,” said Federer. “Your friendship was always important to me on the tour. As rivals, the fact that we got along so well was always great for me.”

Thiem responded to the tributes on social media, expressing his gratitude and admiration for the Big Three. “I really wouldn’t have expected (the) three of you yesterday!” he exclaimed. “You guys are just incredible and I will never forget this moment!”

Throughout his career, Thiem has achieved notable victories against Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal, showcasing his exceptional talent and competitive spirit. He has amassed 348 tour-level wins and reached the semifinals or better at all four Grand Slams.

Thiem’s retirement marks the end of an era in tennis, as he joins the ranks of other legendary players who have bid farewell to the sport. His contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come, and his legacy as a fierce competitor and respected sportsman will continue to inspire future generations.

Categories: Tennis

Tennis Luminaries Inducted into USTA Northern California Hall of Fame

By Nilay October 4, 2024 0

USTA Northern California Inducts Tennis Luminaries into Hall of Fame

Last week, the USTA Northern California (NorCal) inducted five esteemed individuals into its Hall of Fame at the Round Hill Country Club in Alamo, California. The honorees included:

* Cathie Anderson: A collegiate standout at UC Berkeley and a formidable tournament competitor.
* Joel Drucker: A renowned tennis writer whose work has graced publications and broadcasts worldwide.
* Jim McLennan (posthumous): A lifelong player, coach, and scientist who dedicated his life to the sport.
* Carl Mendoza: A highly respected coach and instructor who has nurtured countless tennis enthusiasts.
* Linda Seigel: A former US Open girls’ champion who defeated Hana Mandlikova in the final.

Among the inductees, Joel Drucker stands out for his exceptional contributions to tennis journalism. For over 35 years, he has captivated readers with his insightful writing, exploring the human stories and cultural nuances that make tennis more than just a game.

Drucker’s work has been featured in prestigious outlets such as HBO, CBS, Tennis Channel, Tennis.com, the New York Times, and Racquet. His articles have been recognized in the annual anthology, The Best American Sports Writing. As the historian-at-large for the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Drucker has played a pivotal role in preserving the sport’s rich history.

Driven by his childhood passion for tennis, Drucker began his writing career as a freelancer for Bay Area media outlets while working in public relations. In 1993, he transitioned to full-time freelancing, covering tennis events globally.

Drucker’s writing is characterized by its depth and engagement with the culture of tennis. He believes that the sport’s human stories and textured layers contribute to its enduring appeal. One of his most acclaimed works is “Fingerprints,” a twin profile of Hall of Fame player Pauline Betz and her daughter, poet Kim Addonizio.

In addition to his journalistic contributions, Drucker has authored two books: “Jimmy Connors Saved My Life” and “Don’t Bet on It,” a tribute to his late wife, Joan Edwards.

Categories: Tennis

Muchova Ends Sabalenka’s Streak, Sets Up Zheng Semifinal Clash

By Nilay October 4, 2024 0

Aryna Sabalenka’s impressive 15-match winning streak was abruptly halted in Beijing on Friday by a familiar adversary, Karolina Muchova. The Czech player staged a remarkable comeback, erasing a break deficit in the decider to secure a 7-6 (5), 2-6, 6-4 victory over the No. 1 seed at the China Open.

Muchova’s resilience was evident from the outset, as she saved a pair of set points while serving at 4-5 in the opening set. Despite Sabalenka’s apparent control of the match, Muchova rallied to claim the final 10 points of the encounter.

Sabalenka’s defeat marks her first loss since August 10, when she was eliminated by Amanda Anisimova in the quarterfinals of Toronto. While the setback prevents the world No. 2 from overtaking Iga Swiatek in the race to the WTA Finals, Sabalenka will have another opportunity next week at the 1000-level event in Wuhan.

Meanwhile, Muchova has now extended her winning streak against Sabalenka to three matches, including a memorable victory in the 2023 French Open final. The 28-year-old is aiming to capture her first title in over five years, having last lifted a trophy in Seoul in September 2019.

In the semifinals, Muchova will face home favorite Zheng Qinwen, who overcame a challenging serving day to defeat Mirra Andreeva in three sets. Zheng’s victory marks her first WTA 1000 semifinal appearance.

Zheng’s path to the semifinals included a victory over Muchova in the Palermo title match in July, which preceded her gold medal triumph at the Paris Olympics. The Wuhan native will be eager to repeat her success against Muchova and advance to the final.

Categories: Tennis

World Tennis League Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for 2024 Edition

By Nilay October 4, 2024 0

The World Tennis League (WTL) has unveiled an illustrious lineup of tennis stars for its third edition, scheduled to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi from December 19 to 22, 2024. The tournament promises to be a spectacle, featuring two Olympic gold medalists, five Grand Slam champions, and 12 of the world’s top-ranked players.

Leading the women’s contingent is Iga Świątek, the current world No. 1 and three-time French Open champion. She will be joined by Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning US Open champion, and Elena Rybakina, the 2023 Wimbledon winner. Other notable female players include Barbora Krejčíková, the 2024 Wimbledon champion, and Jasmine Paolini, the Women’s Doubles gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The men’s lineup is equally impressive, with Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, and Taylor Fritz returning to the WTL after their title-winning performance in 2023. They will be joined by Hubert Hurkacz, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, all ranked among the world’s top 10. Aussie sensation Nick Kyrgios and Indian star Sumit Nagal will also make their return to the tournament.

The WTL has become a popular event in Abu Dhabi, attracting over 20,000 attendees in its previous edition. The tournament is broadcast live in over 125 countries and features world-class entertainment on Yas Island.

The full roster of players participating in the World Tennis League 2024 is as follows:

Women’s Tennis Stars:

1. Iga Świątek (Women’s World No. 1)
2. Aryna Sabalenka (Women’s World No. 2)
3. Elena Rybakina (Women’s World No. 4)
4. Jasmine Paolini (Women’s World No. 5)
5. Barbora Krejčíková (Women’s World No. 10)
6. Paula Badosa (Women’s World No. 19)
7. Mirra Andreeva (Women’s World No. 22)
8. Caroline Garcia (Women’s World No. 36)

Men’s Tennis Stars:

1. Daniil Medvedev (Men’s World No. 5)
2. Andrey Rublev (Men’s World No. 6)
3. Taylor Fritz (Men’s World No. 7)
4. Hubert Hurkacz (Men’s World no. 8)
5. Casper Ruud (Men’s World No. 9)
6. Stefanos Tsitsipas (Men’s World No. 12)
7. Sumit Nagal (Men’s World No. 83)
8. Nick Kyrgios

Categories: Tennis

Iga Swiatek Parts Ways with Coach Tomasz Wiktorowski

By Nilay October 4, 2024 0

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek, the Polish tennis sensation, has parted ways with her long-time coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski. The decision, announced by Swiatek on Friday, marks the end of a successful three-year partnership that saw the Polish player ascend to the pinnacle of women’s tennis.

During their time together, Swiatek captured four of her five Grand Slam titles, including the French Open in 2020, 2022, and 2023, and the US Open in 2022. She also rose to the top of the WTA rankings, becoming the first Polish player to achieve the feat.

Swiatek expressed her gratitude for Wiktorowski’s contributions in a heartfelt Instagram post. “After 3 years of the greatest achievements in my career, together with my coach Tomasz Wiktorowski we decided to part way,” she wrote. “I want to start with a big thank you and appreciating our work together.”

Swiatek credited Wiktorowski with providing her with the guidance and support she needed to reach new heights. “Coach Wiktorowski joined my team for three seasons, when I strongly needed changes and a fresh approach to my game,” she said. “His experience, analytical and strategic attitude and enormous knowledge about tennis helped us to achieve things I’ve never dreamed of only a few months after we started working together.”

The decision to split comes after a challenging period for Swiatek. She has not competed since losing to Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals of the US Open and has withdrawn from recent tournaments due to personal reasons and fatigue.

Swiatek indicated that she is ready to take the next step in her career and is in talks with non-Polish coaches. “I’m in the middle of first talks with coaches from abroad (non-Polish) because I’m ready to take the next step of my career,” she wrote.

Wiktorowski, who was voted the WTA’s Coach of the Year by his peers last year, expressed his support for Swiatek’s decision. “Coach, THANK YOU, I wish you all the best,” Swiatek wrote. “I know that you would like to rest after these 3 years of hard work and traveling a lot and spending some well deserved time with your loved ones and I hope you’ll get what you need.”

The split between Swiatek and Wiktorowski marks the end of a successful era in Polish tennis. Swiatek’s dominance on the court has inspired a new generation of players and has brought unprecedented attention to the sport in her home country.

Categories: Tennis

Stefanos Tsitsipas Reaches 200 Hard-Court Wins Milestone in Shanghai

By Nilay October 4, 2024 0

Stefanos Tsitsipas has achieved a significant milestone in his career by securing his 200th hard-court victory at the Masters 1000 event in Shanghai. The 26-year-old Greek defeated former Top 5 player Kei Nishikori in two tight sets, 7-6 (6), 6-4, to reach the third round.

Tsitsipas’ victory marks a significant achievement for players born in the 1990s and later. He becomes the seventh player born in 1990 or later to record 200 career hard-court wins, the fourth player born in 1995 or later to achieve the feat, and the first player born in 1998 or later to do so.

Tsitsipas’ milestone victory comes two months after Nishikori defeated him in the second round of the Masters 1000 event in Montreal. However, Tsitsipas exacted revenge in Shanghai, showcasing his resilience and determination.

The Greek star is known for his aggressive baseline play and powerful serve. He has won nine ATP Tour titles, including the 2019 ATP Finals, and has reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and French Open.

Tsitsipas’ victory in Shanghai is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He is one of the most promising young players in the world and has the potential to achieve even greater success in the future.

Categories: Tennis

Andrey Rublev’s Season Marked by Triumph and Health Scares

By Nilay October 4, 2024 0

Andrey Rublev’s remarkable season has been marked by both triumph and adversity. After capturing his second ATP Masters 1000 title in Madrid, the Russian faced a life-threatening health scare that nearly prevented him from competing in Asia.

Rublev underwent surgery just days before his scheduled departure for China, where he was set to play in Hangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai. Doctors initially informed him that he would be unable to play in China due to the severity of his condition, which required a month of recovery time.

However, Rublev defied the odds and made a remarkable return to action in Beijing, where he defeated Pablo Carreno Busta and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to reach the quarterfinals. Despite his impressive performance, Rublev admitted that he is still not fully fit and is hoping to regain his fitness through match play.

The surgery was performed to prevent the amputation of an unspecified limb, Rublev revealed. He was fortunate that the issue was identified within the first few hours, as amputation would have been necessary after five or six hours.

Rublev’s health scare is his second major setback this season. In Madrid, he was hospitalized with inflammation in his throat and a swollen toe, which turned out to be a tonsillar abscess that restricted his airways.

Despite these challenges, Rublev remains determined to finish the season strong. He is currently ranked No. 7 in the Race to Turin and is hoping to qualify for the ATP Finals.

Categories: Tennis

Alcaraz and Sinner Share Private Plane After Epic Beijing Final

By Nilay October 4, 2024 0

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the two rising stars of men’s tennis, have once again demonstrated their mutual respect and camaraderie off the court, despite their intense rivalry on it. After their epic three-set battle in the ATP 500 final in Beijing, the duo boarded the same private plane to Shanghai, the venue for the penultimate ATP Masters 1000 event of the season.

Their shared flight was a testament to the unique bond between these two young players, who have pushed each other to new heights throughout their careers. Despite their fierce competition on the court, they maintain a deep respect for each other’s abilities and a genuine friendship off it.

In their third meeting of the year, Alcaraz emerged victorious in a thrilling three-and-a-half-hour match, claiming the Beijing title with a 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) scoreline. The Spaniard’s victory propelled him back to world No. 2, while Sinner remained at No. 3.

Despite the intense nature of their rivalry, Alcaraz and Sinner have consistently shown their admiration for each other. “We are fighting against each other, three-hour match, really close, he could win, in the end I got the win, and then two hours later, we are in the same plane, having some laughs, making jokes, talking about life, and we’re acting like nothing happened before,” Alcaraz said of their shared commute.

Their mutual respect extends beyond the court, as they have teamed up for a clinic put on by their sponsor, Nike, with local kids in Shanghai. This collaboration further highlights their commitment to promoting the sport and inspiring future generations of tennis players.

As they prepare for the Shanghai Masters, Alcaraz and Sinner could potentially face off again in the semifinals. However, they must first overcome their respective opponents in the quarterfinals, with Alcaraz facing Japan’s Taro Daniel and Sinner taking on China’s Shang Juncheng.

Regardless of the outcome of their potential semifinal clash, the bond between Alcaraz and Sinner remains unbreakable. They represent the future of men’s tennis, and their rivalry is sure to produce many more memorable moments in the years to come.

Categories: Tennis

Billie Jean King Unveiled in Bronze at Cal State LA, Returns to Complete Degree

By Nilay October 3, 2024 0

Billie Jean King, the legendary tennis icon, returned to California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) on October 2nd, 2023, for a momentous occasion. The university unveiled a statue of King, capturing her at the peak of her powers, a testament to her unwavering determination and exceptional achievements.

King’s visit marked a significant milestone in her life, as she announced her intention to complete her bachelor’s degree in history at Cal State LA, where she had attended as a student from 1961 to 1964. The campus holds a special place in her heart, as it was where she first met her husband, Larry King, and where her feminist awakening began.

The statue, created by renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon, showcases King in her signature “Madame Superstar” dress, a symbol of her groundbreaking efforts to elevate women’s tennis. King expressed her gratitude for the honor, stating, “There’s a sense of permanency, which is unbelievable… What really makes me happy is that I’m wearing what used to be called the ‘Madame Superstar’ dress that Ted Tinling made for me… and all the people that have helped me.”

Prior to the statue unveiling, King addressed Cal State LA’s varsity athletes, emphasizing the importance of relationships, continuous learning, and problem-solving. She shared her belief that “relationships are everything” and encouraged the athletes to “keep learning” and “be a problem-solver and an innovator.”

King’s journey at Cal State LA was marked by both personal and professional growth. Despite the lack of college scholarships for women at the time, she held two jobs while pursuing her education. Her passion for tennis and her desire to make a difference in the world fueled her determination.

In 1964, King left college to train in Australia, a decision that propelled her to become the world’s best tennis player. She went on to found the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and played a pivotal role in the “Battle of the Sexes” match against Bobby Riggs.

Now, 60 years after leaving Cal State LA, King is returning to complete her degree, a testament to her lifelong commitment to education and her belief in the power of knowledge. The campus where her journey began will once again be a place of growth and inspiration for the tennis legend.

Categories: Tennis

Caroline Garcia Embarks on Business Studies at Harvard

By Nilay October 3, 2024 0

Caroline Garcia, the former world No. 4 tennis player, has announced her decision to pursue business studies at Harvard University’s prestigious Harvard Business School. This move comes as Garcia takes an extended break from tennis due to a lingering shoulder injury and mental health concerns.

Garcia’s involvement at Harvard is likely part of the Crossover to Business program, a collaboration between the school and the NBA. This program provides professional athletes with an immersive experience in business, allowing them to develop their entrepreneurial skills and connect with student mentors pursuing MBAs.

Over the years, several WTA players have participated in the Crossover to Business program, including Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Monica Puig, Maria Sharapova, and Caroline Wozniacki. Garcia’s decision to join this esteemed group reflects her desire to expand her horizons beyond tennis.

In a recent social media post, Garcia expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to study at Harvard. “I can’t wait to keep learning new things and meet amazing people from different fields,” she wrote.

Garcia’s decision to pursue business studies aligns with her broader goal of creating a fulfilling life beyond tennis. In a previous social media post, she announced her decision to end her season early due to physical and mental health challenges.

“For too long, I’ve let tennis consume me,” Garcia wrote. “But I’m more than that. I’m a woman with values, talents, passions, flaws, and strengths.”

Garcia’s journey at Harvard Business School will provide her with the tools and knowledge to pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations. It also serves as a testament to her resilience and determination to succeed both on and off the court.

Categories: Tennis

Dominic Thiem Receives Heartfelt Tributes from Big Three as He Retires from Tennis

Tennis Luminaries Inducted into USTA Northern California Hall of Fame

Muchova Ends Sabalenka’s Streak, Sets Up Zheng Semifinal Clash

World Tennis League Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for 2024 Edition

Iga Swiatek Parts Ways with Coach Tomasz Wiktorowski

Stefanos Tsitsipas Reaches 200 Hard-Court Wins Milestone in Shanghai

Andrey Rublev’s Season Marked by Triumph and Health Scares

Alcaraz and Sinner Share Private Plane After Epic Beijing Final

Billie Jean King Unveiled in Bronze at Cal State LA, Returns to Complete Degree

Caroline Garcia Embarks on Business Studies at Harvard

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